Read about Molly McCann’s impressive victory in her strawweight debut at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. McCann’s dominant performance and submission win over Diana Belbita mark a turning point in her career.
| Molly McCann emerged victorious in her strawweight debut at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, submitting Diana Belbita in the first round with an armbar.
| McCann contemplated retirement after facing defeats in her previous two fights but made a triumphant comeback.
| The British fighter showcased her dominance with powerful strikes and impressive grappling skills.
| McCann’s win over Belbita was a poetic finish, as her past two losses also came via armbar.
| Reflecting on her journey, McCann emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience.
| McCann plans to spend time with her family and celebrate her victory before moving forward with her career.
Molly McCann’s Impressive Strawweight Debut
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Molly McCann emerged victorious in her strawweight debut at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The British fighter showcased her dominance by submitting Diana Belbita in the first round with a remarkable armbar. This triumph marks a significant turning point for McCann, who contemplated retirement after facing setbacks in her previous two fights.
McCann, 33, expressed her elation at competing in the strawweight division, admitting her past mistakes in not meeting the weight requirements and apologizing to the UFC, herself, and her fans. However, she forgave herself for those missteps and embraced this new opportunity.
Having spent her entire UFC career at flyweight, McCann’s decision to drop down to strawweight was influenced by her coach Paul Rimmer. She entered the fight in the best shape of her life, determined to prove her worth against 27-year-old Belbita.
From the moment McCann stepped into the Octagon, it was evident that she meant business. Displaying a composed demeanor, she unleashed a barrage of powerful overhand rights, establishing her dominance early on. McCann expertly controlled the fight, landing precise shots while skillfully evading Belbita’s attacks.
As the bout progressed, McCann’s confidence soared, showcasing her diverse skill set with a spinning back kick and her trademark spinning back elbow. However, it was her grappling prowess that ultimately sealed the victory. McCann executed a flawless takedown, transitioning to full mount and delivering a series of devastating elbows.
With mere seconds remaining in the round, McCann cinched in an armbar, forcing Belbita to submit. The poetic nature of this finish was not lost on McCann, as her previous two UFC losses had also come via armbar. Overwhelmed with emotion, she collapsed to the canvas in celebration.
This win holds particular significance for McCann, as it marks her second victory over Belbita. Their first encounter took place in 2019, resulting in a unanimous decision in McCann’s favor. Reflecting on her journey, McCann emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience. Despite her initial goal of becoming a world champion at 125lb, she acknowledged the need to adjust her plan when circumstances changed.
In closing, McCann expressed her gratitude for her coach’s guidance and promised to cherish time with her family. After putting in extensive work at the gym, she intends to savor a well-deserved beer before embarking on her next endeavor.
